Best Backup Software: Ranked and Reviewed (2025)

The best backup software automates the process of keeping copies of your most treasured files and data in multiple places, ensuring that they’ll survive hard drive failures and theft, as well as avoiding the need to traipse into the nebulous world of disaster recovery services. It’s vital that you, and your organization, have a backup structure in place, even more so if you work with sensitive customer data. Our expert recommendation is to use a 3-2-1 backup strategy. This involves having three copies of your data: the original, a copy on site, and another copy offsite. In practice, this could mean saving your data to an on-site as well as off-site server, plus a cloud backup service. There are also free backup solutions available, though the paid software here does, more often than not, offer free pricing tiers or trials.

Key Takeaways:

• Backup software automates the process of keeping copies of your important files and data.
• A 3-2-1 backup strategy involves having three copies of your data: the original, a copy on site, and another copy offsite.
• Free backup solutions may be available, but paid software often offers additional features and support.
• Having a backup structure in place is crucial for protecting sensitive customer data.
• Consider using a combination of on-site servers, off-site servers, and cloud backup services for comprehensive data protection.

For more information about the best backup software options available, continue reading our comprehensive reviews and rankings below.

Best backup software overall

When it comes to choosing the best backup software overall, EaseUS ToDo Backup stands out as a flexible solution that has been trusted by users for over a decade. With its advanced feature set and reliable performance, it offers everything you need to safeguard your data.

Whether you’re a business owner, a home user, or a service provider, EaseUS ToDo Backup has packages tailored to meet your specific needs. It supports incremental or full backups for up to 16TB of data, including multiple partitions, hardware RAID, and even cloud backups.

What makes EaseUS ToDo Backup even more appealing is its affordable cost. You have the option to purchase the Home edition for a one-time fee, with or without lifetime version upgrades, or subscribe on a yearly basis. This flexible pricing structure ensures that you can find an option that suits your budget.

Another significant advantage of EaseUS ToDo Backup is its cross-platform compatibility. Whether you’re using Windows or Mac operating systems, you can rely on this software to protect your valuable data efficiently.

With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, EaseUS ToDo Backup is a top choice for users looking for a comprehensive and reliable backup software. Backup your important files and data with confidence, knowing that EaseUS ToDo Backup has your back.

Features	Pros	Cons
Incremental or full backups	– Advanced feature set – Multiple partition support – Cloud backup – Affordable cost	– None
Windows and Mac support	– Cross-platform compatibility – Reliable performance	– None

Best backup software for keeping data secure

When it comes to protecting your valuable data, it’s crucial to choose the best backup software that provides the highest level of security. Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office (formerly known as Acronis True Image) is an exceptional backup solution that offers comprehensive data security features. With the ability to back up both locally and to the cloud, Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office ensures that your data is safe and easily recoverable.

One of the standout features of Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is drive cloning. This feature allows you to create an exact replica of your entire hard drive, including the operating system, applications, and personal files. In the event of a hard drive failure, you can quickly and easily restore your system to its original state from the cloned drive.

Another critical security measure offered by Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is anti-ransomware protection. This feature actively monitors your system for any unauthorized encryption attempts and can detect and reverse the encryption process. In an era where ransomware attacks are becoming increasingly prevalent, this added layer of protection is invaluable in safeguarding your data.

Although it’s worth noting that using Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office may slightly increase boot times due to its comprehensive security measures, the peace of mind it provides is well worth it. Your data will be secure from potential threats, ensuring that it remains intact and accessible when you need it most.

To summarize, Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is the best backup software for keeping your data secure. Its ability to back up locally and to the cloud, drive cloning feature, and anti-ransomware protection make it an exceptional choice for individuals and businesses alike.

Key Features	Benefits
Local and cloud backups	Ensures data redundancy and accessibility
Drive cloning	Quickly restore your system to its original state
Anti-ransomware protection	Safeguards your data against unauthorized encryption

Best no-cost backup software

When it comes to finding the best no-cost backup software, look no further than AOMEI. As a veteran in the backup market, AOMEI offers a wide range of tools, including their popular software called Backupper.

While the free version of AOMEI’s software does have its limitations, it still provides basic backup, synchronization, and cloning capabilities. This means you can safeguard your valuable files and data without spending a dime.

Key Features of AOMEI No-Cost Backup Software

• Basic backup functionality for protecting your important files
• Synchronization capabilities to keep your files up to date across multiple devices
• Cloning capabilities to create a replica of your entire system or specific partitions

If you’re looking to unlock the full potential of AOMEI’s software, they also offer several paid plans tailored to different needs. Whether you’re a personal user, a business owner, or need to protect multiple PCs within a company, AOMEI has you covered.

With AOMEI’s no-cost backup software, you can enjoy good features and security without breaking the bank.

Pros	Cons
Free option available	Limited features compared to paid versions
Basic backup, synchronization, and cloning capabilities	No continuous data protection
Supports personal and business use	No 24/7 customer support

Best backup software for home and business

When it comes to backing up your valuable data for both home and business use, Paragon Backup & Recovery stands out as an exceptional choice. This software offers a flexible solution that simplifies complex backup processes, ensuring the security and integrity of your files.

One of the standout features of Paragon Backup & Recovery is its Create Backup Job wizard. This intuitive tool guides users through the backup setup, making it easy to configure and customize your backup preferences. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, the wizard ensures a smooth and hassle-free backup experience.

The software covers all the usual backup processes, including file backup, disk imaging, and system recovery. But what sets Paragon Backup & Recovery apart is its inclusion of a WinPE recovery media. This USB recovery media allows users to rescue files, fix boot problems, and perform restorations, providing an added layer of data protection and peace of mind.

Affordable Pricing Options

Paragon Backup & Recovery offers affordable pricing options for both home users and businesses. With their flexible plans, you can choose the package that best suits your needs and budget. Whether you’re an individual looking to safeguard your personal data or an organization in need of comprehensive backup solutions, Paragon Backup & Recovery has you covered.

Best of all, Paragon Backup & Recovery combines its affordable cost with ease of use. The software’s user-friendly interface makes it accessible for users of all skill levels. Whether you’re a tech-savvy professional or a novice user, you’ll find Paragon Backup & Recovery intuitive and straightforward.

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing the best backup software for both home and business, Paragon Backup & Recovery stands out for its affordability, ease of use, and USB recovery media. With this comprehensive solution, you can ensure the safety and accessibility of your important data, giving you peace of mind in today’s digital world.

Best backup software to run in the background

When it comes to backup software, running in the background without interrupting your workflow is crucial. The last thing you want is for your backup processes to slow down your system or affect your gaming or movie-watching experience. That’s where Genie Backup Manager comes in.

Genie Backup Manager offers “effortless protection for all your files” and ensures that your backups run smoothly in the background. With a simple three-step configuration process, you can easily set up your backups and let Genie Backup Manager take care of the rest.

One of the standout features of Genie Backup Manager is the option to choose between Turbo Mode and Smart Mode. In Turbo Mode, backups run at full speed, utilizing all available system resources to complete the backup process quickly. On the other hand, Smart Mode adjusts itself based on your system resources, ensuring that your backups don’t negatively impact your computer’s performance.

Genie Backup Manager also offers a neat Game/Movie mode, which reduces interruptions during backup processes. This mode ensures that your gaming or movie-watching experience remains uninterrupted while backups continue to run efficiently in the background.

While Genie Backup Manager offers a mobile app for iOS devices, it’s worth noting that support for macOS and Linux is currently lacking. However, if you primarily use Windows and want a backup software that runs seamlessly in the background, Genie Backup Manager is an excellent option to consider.

Best backup software for long-term support

When it comes to long-term data protection, you need backup software that ensures the highest level of security and reliability. That’s where NovaBackup comes in. With its robust features and exceptional performance, it offers a solution that can withstand the test of time.

NovaBackup is available as a subscription-based service, making it an ideal choice for both home users and businesses. It provides the capability to create a copy of your computer’s hard drive on local media, giving you peace of mind knowing that your valuable data is safely stored.

One of the standout features of NovaBackup is its highly secure nature. It runs locally, allowing you to send your data to a local media drive. Additionally, it supports backup with AES 256-bit encryption, providing an additional layer of security to protect your sensitive information from unauthorized access.

Another advantage of NovaBackup is its user-friendly approach. It includes tutorial videos that help you navigate through the backup process effortlessly. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned user, the comprehensive tutorials ensure that you can make the most out of the software’s capabilities.

Key Features of NovaBackup:

1. Subscription-based service for both home users and businesses.
2. Ability to create a copy of your computer’s hard drive on local media.
3. Highly secure backup with AES 256-bit encryption.
4. Includes tutorial videos for easy navigation and setup.

With NovaBackup, you can rest assured that your data is in safe hands. Its long-term support and commitment to security make it an excellent choice for individuals and organizations alike.

Software	Long-Term Support	Security Features	Tutorial Videos
NovaBackup	✔	✔	✔

Introduction to Backup Software

In today’s digital age, the importance of data backup cannot be overstated. PC storage drives are prone to unexpected failures, putting your valuable data at risk. That’s where backup software comes in to safeguard your files, documents, photos, and more. While Mac users benefit from Apple’s Time Machine for effective recovery, Windows users need to explore third-party backup options.

Fortunately, there are numerous backup software solutions available for Windows users, each offering unique features and benefits. Whether you’re a home user, small business, or enterprise, there’s backup software tailored to your specific needs.

Windows backup software provides secure and reliable solutions to protect your information, ensuring that it can be easily restored in the event of data loss or system failures. From automated backups to scheduled snapshots, these software options offer peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your work without worrying about the safety of your data.

Why Backup Software is Essential

Without backup software, your data is vulnerable to a range of risks, including hardware failures, accidental deletions, malware attacks, and natural disasters. By implementing a robust backup solution, you eliminate the risk of permanent data loss and minimize downtime.

Backup software provides several key benefits:

1. Protection Against Data Loss: Backup software creates duplicate copies of your files, ensuring that they are preserved even if the original files are damaged or lost.
2. Quick and Easy Recovery: With backup software, you can quickly restore your data to its original state, minimizing the impact of any data loss event.
3. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your critical files are safely backed up gives you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your work without the fear of data loss.
4. Efficient Storage Management: Backup software enables efficient storage management by optimizing the storage space and eliminating unnecessary duplicates.
5. Flexibility: Backup software offers a range of customization options, allowing you to target specific files or folders for backup and schedule automatic backups to suit your needs.

By investing in backup software, you can protect your valuable data and ensure its availability when you need it most.

Backup Software	Key Features
EaseUS ToDo Backup	Advanced features, affordable cost, Windows and Mac support
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office	Local and cloud backup, drive cloning, anti-ransomware protection
AOMEI Backupper	Free option, good features and security
Paragon Backup & Recovery	USB recovery media, affordable cost, ease of use
Genie Backup Manager	Mindful of system resources, neat Game/Movie mode
NovaBackup	Highly secure, includes tutorial videos

Each backup software solution offers its own unique advantages, so it’s important to consider your specific requirements and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Understanding Backup Terminology

To truly comprehend backup software, it is crucial to become familiar with the key terminology associated with it. Below, I will explain some of the most important terms you need to know:

1. File backup: This refers to the process of creating copies of selected files. It allows you to safeguard specific data that is important to you, ensuring its availability in case of accidents or hardware failures.
2. Image backup: Image backup involves taking a snapshot of the entire hard drive, including the operating system, applications, settings, and files. By creating an image backup, you can easily restore your entire system to its previous state in case of a critical failure or disaster.
3. Disk image backup: Similar to image backup, disk image backup goes a step further by also saving system files. This comprehensive backup ensures that all aspects of your operating system and installed programs are preserved.
4. Boot media: Boot media refers to an external device, such as a USB drive or DVD, that contains a bootable operating system. It allows you to start your computer from that external device in case your internal hard drive becomes inaccessible or unusable.
5. Scheduling: With scheduling, you can automate the backup process according to a predetermined schedule. This feature ensures that regular backups are performed without requiring manual intervention, providing peace of mind and convenience.
6. Versioning: Versioning involves retaining previous backups or multiple versions of files. By storing different iterations of your files, you can easily access and restore older versions, which can be invaluable in cases where you need to recover a specific version of a document or file.

Understanding these terms will enable you to navigate backup software more effectively and make informed decisions when selecting the right solution for your needs.

Term	Definition
File backup	Backing up selected files
Image backup	Creating a snapshot of the entire hard drive
Disk image backup	Saving system files along with the entire hard drive
Boot media	External device for booting the system in case of a crash
Scheduling	Automating the backup process based on a set schedule
Versioning	Retaining previous backups or versions of files

Benefits of Cloud Backup

Cloud backup provides numerous advantages for both individuals and businesses. By leveraging online backup services, you can ensure the safety and security of your valuable data. Let’s explore the benefits of cloud backup in more detail.

1. Offsite Copy for Disaster Recovery

One of the major benefits of cloud backup is the ability to store an offsite copy of your data. This means that even if your physical devices, such as computers or servers, are damaged or destroyed due to unforeseen circumstances like fire or flood, your data remains safe in the cloud. Having an offsite copy ensures that you can easily recover and restore your data, minimizing the impact of any disasters.

2. Enhanced Data Protection and Security

Online backup services employ advanced security measures to ensure the privacy and integrity of your data. By securely sending your data to remote servers, these services protect your information from unauthorized access, theft, or physical damage. Encryption protocols and authentication mechanisms are commonly utilized to maintain the utmost data security.

3. Scalability and Storage Flexibility

Cloud backup offers scalability, allowing you to easily adjust your storage requirements based on your needs. Whether you have a small amount of data or a large enterprise-level backup requirement, cloud backup services can accommodate your storage needs. Additionally, these services often provide various pricing plans and storage options, allowing you to choose the most cost-effective solution for your situation.

4. Automated and Convenient Backup Processes

Cloud backup provides a convenient and automated approach to data backup. Rather than manually backing up your files on physical devices, online backup services can automatically schedule backups at regular intervals, ensuring that your data is continuously protected without any additional effort on your part.

5. Accessibility from Anywhere and Any Device

With cloud backup, you can access your data from anywhere and from any device connected to the internet. This flexibility allows you to retrieve your files whenever and wherever you need them, making it especially convenient for remote work scenarios or when you’re on the go.

6. Cost-Effectiveness and Reduced Hardware Dependencies

Cloud backup eliminates the need for investing in expensive hardware infrastructure for backup purposes. By leveraging the services provided by online backup providers, you can significantly reduce your reliance on physical storage devices and associated costs. Additionally, these services often offer flexible pricing plans, allowing you to choose a solution that fits your budget.

Benefits of Cloud Backup	Description
Offsite Copy for Disaster Recovery	Store an offsite copy of your data to protect against physical disasters.
Enhanced Data Protection and Security	Ensure the privacy and integrity of your data with advanced security measures.
Scalability and Storage Flexibility	Scale your storage requirements and choose flexible storage options.
Automated and Convenient Backup Processes	Automate backups and enjoy hassle-free data protection.
Accessibility from Anywhere and Any Device	Access your data from anywhere and any internet-connected device.
Cost-Effectiveness and Reduced Hardware Dependencies	Economical backup solution that eliminates the need for dedicated hardware.

Cloud backup provides a host of benefits, making it an essential component of any comprehensive backup strategy. By harnessing the power of online backup services, you can ensure the safety, accessibility, and security of your valuable data.

Tips for Choosing Backup Software

When it comes to selecting the right backup software for your needs, there are several important factors to consider. By evaluating the reliability, features, ease of use, storage options, and support of different software options, you can ensure that you make an informed decision. Here are some tips to help you choose the best backup software:

1. Reliability: Look for backup software that has a proven track record of reliability. Read reviews and consider the reputation of the software provider to ensure that your data will be protected.
2. Features: Determine what features are important to you. Consider whether you need automatic backups, encryption, file versioning, or the ability to back up specific applications or operating systems.
3. Ease of Use: Choose backup software that is intuitive and user-friendly. Look for software with a simple interface and clear instructions, allowing you to easily set up and manage your backups.
4. Storage Options: Consider the storage options offered by the backup software. Determine whether you prefer to back up your data to local drives, external devices, or cloud services. Some software may offer a combination of storage options for added flexibility.
5. Support: Ensure that the backup software provides adequate customer support. Look for software that offers technical assistance, guides, tutorials, and a responsive support team to help you resolve any issues that may arise.

By considering these tips, you can select backup software that meets your specific needs and provides reliable protection for your valuable data.

“Choosing the right backup software is essential for protecting your data and ensuring peace of mind.”

PCMag’s Top Tested Picks

When it comes to backup software, PCMag has thoroughly tested and reviewed numerous options to help you make an informed decision. After extensive evaluation, the top picks have emerged based on their reliability, features, and overall performance. These top tested picks offer a range of capabilities to meet various backup needs. Let’s take a closer look at each of them:

ShadowProtect SPX

ShadowProtect SPX is a standout backup software known for its reliability and comprehensive disk imaging capabilities. It offers a robust solution for protecting your data and ensuring swift recovery in the event of a system failure or data loss. With ShadowProtect SPX, you can have peace of mind knowing that your important files are secure and easily restorable.

IDrive

IDrive stands out for its exceptional value and unlimited device backup. With a user-friendly interface, IDrive allows you to effortlessly back up and restore files from multiple devices. Whether you’re safeguarding personal files or managing backups for your business, IDrive offers a cost-effective and reliable solution.

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office

For those seeking a backup software that strikes a balance between backup and security features, Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is an excellent choice. Formerly known as Acronis True Image, this comprehensive solution offers local and cloud backups, drive cloning, and anti-ransomware protection. With Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office, you can have confidence in the security of your data.

Backblaze

Backblaze sets itself apart with its simplicity and unlimited storage. This user-friendly software makes it easy to back up your files to the cloud, ensuring that your data is safe and accessible from anywhere. Backblaze’s unlimited storage option eliminates concerns about running out of space, providing a hassle-free backup solution.

To help you further understand the strengths and capabilities of these top tested picks, here is a comparison table:

Backup Software	Key Features	Price
ShadowProtect SPX	Reliability, disk imaging capabilities	Varies
IDrive	Unlimited device backup, user-friendly interface	Starting at $52.12/year
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office	Local and cloud backups, drive cloning, anti-ransomware protection	Starting at $49.99/year
Backblaze	Simplicity, unlimited storage	$6/month

These top tested picks have been carefully assessed by PCMag’s experts to ensure their reliability and effectiveness. Choose the one that best suits your backup needs and rest easy knowing that your valuable data is safe and protected.

Conclusion

Backup software is an essential tool for protecting your important files and data. Whether it’s safeguarding against hardware failures, accidental deletions, or even malicious acts, having the right backup software is crucial for ensuring the safety and availability of your valuable information.

When choosing backup software, it’s important to consider your specific needs. Determine the amount of data you need to back up and choose a solution that can handle it effectively. Consider the level of security required for your data and select software that offers robust encryption and protection against threats. Additionally, evaluate the user interface of the software and ensure it is intuitive and easy to navigate.

With the appropriate backup software implemented, you can have peace of mind knowing that your data is protected and recoverable in the event of a disaster. Don’t wait until it’s too late – invest in a reliable backup software solution today to safeguard your digital assets and maintain the continuity of your personal or business activities.

FAQ

Why is backup software important?

Backup software is important because it automates the process of keeping copies of your important files and data in multiple places. It helps protect against hard drive failures, theft, and the need for disaster recovery services.

What is the 3-2-1 backup strategy?

The 3-2-1 backup strategy involves having three copies of your data: the original, a copy on site, and another copy offsite. This can include saving data to an on-site and off-site server, as well as using a cloud backup service.

Are there free backup software options available?

Yes, there are free backup software options available. While they may have limitations, many paid software options also offer free pricing tiers or trials.

What is EaseUS ToDo Backup?

EaseUS ToDo Backup is a flexible backup solution that has been around for over a decade. It offers packages for businesses, home users, and service providers. It can handle incremental or full backups for up to 16TB of data and is compatible with Windows and Mac.

What is Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office?

Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office, formerly known as Acronis True Image, is a full-featured backup solution that provides both local and cloud backups. It offers features such as drive cloning and anti-ransomware protection.

What is AOMEI Backupper?

AOMEI Backupper is a backup software solution offered by AOMEI, a veteran in the backup market. It provides basic backup, synchronization, and cloning capabilities. Paid plans are available for personal use, business users, and unlimited PCs within one company.

What is Paragon Backup & Recovery?

Paragon Backup & Recovery is a backup software solution that offers a flexible solution for simplifying complex backup processes. It includes a Create Backup Job wizard and offers a WinPE recovery media. Pricing options are available for both home users and businesses.

What is Genie Backup Manager?

Genie Backup Manager is backup software that promises “effortless protection for all your files.” It offers options to run backups at full speed or in Smart Mode and includes a Game/Movie mode to reduce interruptions during backup processes.

What is NovaBackup?

NovaBackup is a solid backup solution available as a subscription. It offers excellent security features, runs locally to a local media drive, and supports backup with AES 256-bit encryption for extra security.

Why is backup software important for PC users?

PC storage drives can fail unexpectedly, making it essential to use backup software to keep data safe. While Mac users have Time Machine, Windows users must rely on third-party backup options.

What is the difference between file backup and image backup?

File backup refers to backing up selected files, while image backup involves creating a snapshot of the entire hard drive. Disk image backup goes a step further by saving system files as well.

What is the benefit of cloud backup?

Cloud backup allows for storing an offsite copy of data, providing protection against physical disasters like fire or flood. Online backup services securely send data to remote servers, ensuring it is safe even if something happens to physical devices.

What should I consider when choosing backup software?

When choosing backup software, consider factors such as reliability, features, ease of use, storage options, and support. Look for software with a proven track record, automatic backups, encryption, and adequate customer support.

What are some top-rated backup software options?

Some top-rated backup software options according to PCMag include ShadowProtect SPX, IDrive, Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office, and Backblaze.

Why should I use backup software?

Backup software is essential for safeguarding important files and data. It helps protect against data loss caused by hardware failures, accidents, or malicious acts, providing peace of mind knowing that data is safe and protected.

Source Links

• https://www.pcworld.com/article/407021/best-windows-backup-software.html
• https://www.techradar.com/best/best-backup-software
• https://www.pcmag.com/picks/best-backup-services